Hello
I'm happy to see you here.
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If you're reading this, it's likely you're feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or a bit stressed out about your student's pathway to college. And that's understandable. Applying to college is more complex than ever before. Families need someone that understands the nuances of the process, stays informed of changes in higher education, and can help students best position themselves for success in today's college admissions landscape.
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For over a decade, I've worked as an independent educational consultant (IEC), helping gifted and neurodiverse students and their families navigate complex K-12 educational systems to secure educationally-appropriate curricula and services to meet their personalized needs. As my clients approached graduation, and parents expressed frustration with the complexities of the next step, college admissions consulting became a natural evolution of my business.
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I help students identify, explore, and get into their "right fit" school of choice. My goal is to find the right college for your student - not just get into the "best" college as identified by a ranking system, but the college where your student will thrive. Ultimately, it's about the best college for YOUR student. And finding a student's authentic voice, story, and personal narrative is the "magic" in every application.
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Choosing to hire an independent educational counselor (IEC) is a big decision. Years ago, an IEC was a luxury afforded only the very wealthy and those students aiming for elite colleges. Today, with over 4,000 schools in the US, the rapidly rising cost of college, and new complex systems of admission, students and their families are more likely than ever before to seek private assistance. And I don't blame them - keeping up with what's happening in college admissions is a full-time job. One I truly enjoy.
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The right counselor will have a deep respect for the privilege of working alongside your family during this important transition and will work hard to be fully attuned to your student’s academic, social, and financial goals. A student's best work comes when they feel confident in their direction, supported in their goals, and appreciated for their unique talents, authentic traits, and personal purpose.
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The right counselor will have a depth and breadth of industry education and a commitment to continued "hands-on" professional development. Each year I visit a minimum of 20 schools and participate in over 100 hours of continuing education. My commitment to staying informed means students focus on their academic, extracurricular, and social pursuits, while parents are reassured their student is getting sound advice.
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I love what I do. I genuinely enjoy the research, travel, peer relationships, and all that comes with this work. But most of all, I love working with students. Leading students through a proven process of preparation, execution, evaluation, and decision-making is an incredible responsibility, but also great fun. The privilege of having "courtside tickets" while students apply the values and wisdom poured into them by their families, teachers and mentors is an honor, and I am consistently encouraged by this next generation of world-changers.
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My website was designed to help you understand my approach, how I might help, and even provide some free resources. If you'd like to talk more, reach out to schedule a consult.
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Together let's help your student build the authentic applications that earn admission to their “right fit” schools - ones where we're confident they will thrive academically, socially, and affordably.
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Less stress. More joy.
Authentic applications.
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I'm glad you're here.
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Michelle